The Government of Kenya has strongly reaffirmed its unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia, firmly rejecting any notion of recognising Somaliland as an independent state.
This declaration reaffirms Kenya’s long-held position that the federal government in Mogadishu remains the sole legitimate authority over all Somali territories.
In a press statement issued by the State Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday, May 26, 2025, Kenya reaffirmed its unwavering support for Somalia, stating that this steadfast position is anchored in the two nations’ profound historical ties, shared cultural heritage, and enduring bonds of kinship.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and political independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In this regard, Kenya unequivocally recognises the authority of the Federal Government in Mogadishu as the sole and legitimate body responsible for administering the affairs of Somalia, including those pertaining to its regions,” the statement read in part.
Kenya also stated that its decision to support Somalia is based on its firm adherence to international and regional legal frameworks.
These include the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Treaty and Protocols of the East African Community, and Kenya’s own Foreign Policy, all of which promote respect for sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution.
“This position is firmly grounded in Kenya’s adherence to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Treaty and Protocols of the East African Community, as well as Kenya’s foreign policy. These instruments uphold the values of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” the statement stressed.
The Kenyan government further emphasised that its engagement with sub-national entities such as Jubaland and Somaliland is conducted in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia to establish contact and diplomatic presence as may be agreed from time to time.
They added that this is intended to support security cooperation and commercial interests in line with the principles of mutual respect and good neighbourliness.
“To advance the partnership, Kenya will maintain contact and relations with sub-national governments in Jubaland and Somaliland and, in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia, establish contact as well as diplomatic presence as may be agreed from time to time with the aim of supporting security cooperation and commercial interests and in line with the principles of mutual respect and good neighbourliness,” the statement added.
Complex political dynamics
This reaffirmation arrives at a critical juncture for the Horn of Africa, a region marked by complex political dynamics and security challenges.
It also came a paltry few weeks after Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen met behind closed doors with his Somali counterpart, Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, to discuss escalating security threats along the Kenya-Somalia border.
Though officially described as a fruitful bilateral meeting, the high-level engagement on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, raised eyebrows across diplomatic and security circles, coming just days after the dramatic release of the abducted officials.
Murkomen shared a brief summary of the session via social media, underscoring a long-standing relationship between the two nations marked by culture, trade, movement of people, kinship, security and defence collaboration.
The Somali delegation included Deputy Police Chief Brig. Gen. Osman Abudalli, Somali Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, and Immigration Director General Mustafa Duhulow.
Kenya’s team was led by Ambassador to Somalia Cyprian Kubai Iringo and senior officials from the Ministry of Interior.
Central to the agenda were matters of border security and immigration management—issues that have grown increasingly volatile in recent months.
“Kenya and Somalia enjoy deep diplomatic ties spanning over three decades. The relationship is underpinned by a common culture, trade, movement of people, kinship, security and defence collaboration.
“This morning, I held a fruitful bilateral meeting with a delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia led by the Minister of Internal Security, H.E. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail. Our talks focused on enhancing collaboration on border security and immigration management,” Murkomen wrote on X.
